Midget
1961-1979 / Roadster / United Kingdom
Photo: Photo by Handelsgeselschaft / Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0
The Midget was the MGB's smaller, lighter sibling, sharing its DNA with the Austin-Healey Sprite. It was cheap, cheerful, and brilliant fun to drive. The small engine meant you could use all the performance all the time without getting into trouble, and the light weight gave it a flickability that bigger sports cars couldn't match. It was the car that got thousands of people into sports car ownership who couldn't afford an MGB.
In Australia, Midgets are popular in club racing and regularity events where their light weight and nimble handling shine. They're also one of the most affordable ways into classic British sports car ownership, with good examples available for significantly less than an equivalent MGB. The Mk III cars with the 1,275cc A-series engine are the sweet spot, offering the best combination of performance and reliability. Don't overlook the Midget if you want a classic that's genuinely fun to drive on tight, twisty Australian roads.
Thinking of buying a Midget?
What to look for, what to pay, what to avoid.
What to watch for.
Sill Corrosion
Minor Body and Structure
Sill Corrosion
MinorThe outer sill skin softens, bubbles, and crumbles. When prodded, it offers no resistance. In severe cases, the door drops when opened because the inner sill has lost its structural integrity.
The box-section sills trap water when drain holes block with road dirt and underseal. The corrosion works from inside out -- by the time exterior rust is visible, the inner sill may be seriously compromised. The Midget's sills are structural -- they carry bending loads and are integral to the monocoque.
Full sill replacement -- inner and outer sections. This requires stripping the affected area to bare metal, cutting out all corroded material, and welding new panels. Heritage repair panels are available and well-made. Cost: $1,200--2,500 per side.
Floor Pan Corrosion
Critical Body and Structure
Floor Pan Corrosion
CriticalSoft or perforated floors, particularly in the footwells. Wet carpets after rain. In extreme cases, visible road surface through the floor.
Water enters through deteriorated seals and from below. The Midget's floors are thin and close to the road. Carpet retains moisture against the steel.
Weld in repair sections. Available from British parts specialists. Cost: $400--1,200 per section.
Rear Spring Hanger Deterioration
Minor Body and Structure
Rear Spring Hanger Deterioration
MinorThe rear leaf spring mounting points crack, distort, or tear away from the body under load.
Road spray and trapped mud corrode the metal around the spring hangers. The constant load from the springs fatigues the weakened metal.
Weld in new hanger assemblies. Cost: $300--700 per side.
Inner Wing and Suspension Turret Corrosion
Minor Body and Structure
Inner Wing and Suspension Turret Corrosion
MinorThe inner front wings around the front suspension top mounts corrode and thin.
Road spray and trapped moisture in the double-skinned areas. The Midget's engine bay is compact, so water doesn't drain well.
Fabricate and weld repair sections. Cost: $800--2,000 per side.
Thrust Washer Wear (Crankshaft End-Float)
Minor Engine -- A-Series (948, 1098, 1275)
Thrust Washer Wear (Crankshaft End-Float)
MinorA metallic knocking or clunking noise from the front of the engine, particularly when the clutch is depressed or released. The clutch may feel different -- pedal travel changes, engagement point shifts.
The A-series engine uses thrust washers to control the crankshaft's fore-and-aft movement (end-float). These washers wear over time, particularly on cars that spend a lot of time in traffic with the clutch partially depressed. When the thrust washers wear beyond specification, the crankshaft can move excessively, which eventually wears the rear main bearing housing and can lead to catastrophic failure.
Check crankshaft end-float with a dial indicator -- specification is 0.05--0.13mm. Above 0.25mm is danger territory. Replacing thrust washers requires splitting the engine. If caught early, it is a straightforward repair during an engine rebuild. If left until the crank has worn the block, the repair becomes much more expensive. Cost: $100--200 for thrust washers (as part of a rebuild), $2,000--4,000 for a full engine rebuild.
Oil Leaks
Critical Engine -- A-Series (948, 1098, 1275)
Oil Leaks
CriticalOil on the engine, oil on the ground, oil smell from the exhaust manifold.
Every gasket and seal on the A-series hardens and leaks with age. The rear main seal is a scroll-type design that relies on engine oil viscosity to maintain its seal -- it is not a positive seal and will always weep slightly.
Systematic reseal. Replace all gaskets and seals. The rear main seal can only be replaced with the engine out or the gearbox removed. Full reseal: $150--300 DIY, $500--1,000 at a workshop.
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Common questions.
What is the difference between a Midget and an Austin-Healey Sprite?
From 1961 to 1971, the MG Midget and Austin-Healey Sprite were the same car with different badges. They shared the same body, engines, gearboxes, suspension, and interior -- the only differences were the grille design, badging, and minor trim details.
Which Midget should I buy?
The 1275cc Mk3 (1966--1974) is the best Midget for most buyers. It has the sweetest engine (the 1275 A-series is a gem), the most developed chassis, and the best balance of power, reliability, and character.
Will I fit in a Midget?
Maybe. The Midget is genuinely tiny.
How fast is a Midget?
Not very, by modern standards. The 1275 Mk3 does 0--60 mph in about 13 seconds and tops out at around 150 km/h.
Reference
Workshop Manuals
Safety Data
moderateThe MG Midget has 6 NHTSA recalls on record, with half of them related to brake system components including the master cylinder, hydraulic lines, and hoses. Additional recalls covered the brake fluid warning lamp, tire markings, and headlights. If you own one of these classics, you should verify these recalls were addressed by previous owners, paying particular attention to the brake system given the multiple related issues.
Source: NHTSA public database. Updated Mar 2026.
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